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Bomb

I’m back in the airport after almost exactly 34 hours at home, and they weren’t totally all at home, because I had a Bike Rally Steering Committee meeting last night – and I felt pretty noble for turning up for it, let me tell you. I arrived home at midnight Tuesday, slept, woke up, did laundry, checked in with my husband, did a bunch of work, wiped off the kitchen (I still can’t explain what happens to it while I’m gone) went to the meeting, repacked, slept, and now I’m an hour from boarding my plane to Texas and I’m such a knot of anxiety I can hardly cope. The blanket isn’t done, but I wasn’t planning to be done by now – just in case the superstition is real, just in case babies don’t arrive until after I’ve finished their blankets, I have made the decision not to finish until I’m safely home, and can be with Meg. The thought of missing my grandchild’s birth is a little heartbreaking, and so I’ll stack the deck in my favour any way I can. I was planning to be a little farther along though – I was thinking that I’d get it wrapped up over this weekend but for the blocking and ends, and I’ve made myself a little visual aid so that I can see how it’s going, and it doesn’t feel hopeless.

See that? 54 repeats around is done, and I colour in a square when I finish a repeat. Dots and stars mark progress off in quarters. I know it’s dorky, but it’s making me either feel better (when I get a lot done) or very worried (when I don’t.) I got a lot done on the flight to the retreat, and a lot done on the way home, and almost nothing while I was there. I’ll have the flight today, and then spare time while I’m teaching at DFW Fiber Fest (not counting on a lot there) and then the flight home. That’s Monday. This wee soul just needs to wait until Monday evening, which might be a lot to ask. Technically, it would make him a smidge early, and wish Meg could have given me more than 9 months of notice so that I could have booked time off,

because look at that. I’ll be back as soon as I can. Stay put, you two. Don’t do anything without me.

She’s looking great – and still high! My first literally waited until his uncle (who’d been saying You have to wait until I’m home) got to the hospital. He’ll wait for you (or be the BEST home coming present EVER).

You’re thinking like a grandma. Ask your inner doula how many healthy first babies are early. Just concentrate on pacing that knitting (not too close to done, not too far away) and it should keep the gerbil-brain occupied till you get home. At which point the sprog will decide to take another week. Just knit. Just knit.

It’s OK Stephanie, depending on when that pic was taken it doesn’t look like your grandchild has started his “trek” downward! But I would suggest Meg spend most of her time lying down!…..with her legs raised!…..as high as she can get them!… At this point, ANY gravity might NOT be your friend!
Be that as it may, don’t be “hopeless”. That blanket is filled with so much love there isn’t any room for hopelessness to get it’s grimy fingers hooked! Just relax, breathe, and revel in the fact that you have the wonderful talent to create such a special gift.

The baby will come when it’s good and ready, and no amount of panicking will change that. I’m sure Megan wants you to be there, too, whether or not the blanket is done. She still has a smile on her face, so I’d say all is well. Breathe and knit, breathe and knit.

Deep breath. First baby. When are they early? My first came on his due date (and he’s been prompt ever since). Still “high”. Probably not gonna whoosh out while you’re gone. Megan still looks happy, doesn’t have that slightly deranged “get this outta there” look yet so I think you’re safe. But don’t slack off knitting. Better be done early than trying to count stitches in the delivery room.

P.S. I had to touch the House, not the Airplane. Proof that you’ll be home in time.

I have to ask – when you are away from home do you carry the blanket with you at all times? I know you are in safe places with people you mostly know, but still – it must be hard to leave that much hard work and something so special in a hotel room!

Best wishes to Meg for a smooth and easy labor and delivery when the time comes! She looks wonderful!

And good luck to you too Stephanie to get that blanket done. I bet it will be gorgeous. I wish I could take a class with you this weekend, but if I see you passing by in the marketplace, I might fangirl squeal just a little.

How wonderful to be a birth coach/doula (my apologies, I’ve forgotten your exact title) at a time like this in the family. If this wee guy is like my two were, you’ve got another 2 weeks to wait! Hoping you are there for the miraculous moment.

Every time I see a picture of Meg, and I’m looking for them now, she looks more and more beautiful. Just amazing and it makes me feel good to look at her. You just have to know this baby is going to be so perfect.

Hoping the little one holds out for you… I’ve been feeling an enormous solidarity with you, and Meg, and wee grandson-to-be, since I’ve been on the same journey as Meg, with only a slightly earlier deadline (that photo! that was me last week! I still look like that in my mind’s eye — postpartum is a trip).

Not to make you nervous or anything, but my little boy arrived at 4:30am this past Monday, just a smidge early… But for me, it was perfect. Wishing all of you the best, and hoping for that bit of grace that will bring you all together right in time. (and now I hear the cry of the hungry so I better go do my mama thing!)

I had 3 days of early labour with my first. Within the first hour of my mom arriving in the middle of a snow storm he decided he was ready. He must have known a girl needs her mother. Best wishes to you and yours

So, did you call this entry “Bomb” because of the bomb scare at the airport today involving a flight from Toronto to Chicago, or was that a coincidence? Your travel schedule exhausts me, but it’s always impressive!

She looks amazing! My little guy came 3 weeks before his due date, *but* in the photo that was taken of me two days before he was born you can almost see me thinking, “I’m not gonna make it, I’m going crazy, someone get this baby out of me NOW”, and Meg definitely still looks happy…so hopefully there’s something to that! Best wishes to you all!

I am very excited for Meg, you and your family (and a little weepy that it’s 5 years since I was in a similar condition with my April baby! She arrived bang on her precise thanks to IVF due date!) I hope all goes smoothly and that you are home in time and have the completed blanket ready to wrap him up in.

I also can’t quite believe how long I’ve been reading your blog, since before I got married and had two babies myself, wow.

My first was due on 3/31 and finally decided to appear on 4/19, 32 years ago. April babies really are the best!!! I totally get the stress you are going through, Steph, and love hearing every little superstition or trick you use to make things turn out the way you want. But you know, don’t you, that the minute the little person arrives, you won’t even remember this part. Also I agree with everyone else, that smile on Megan’s face means she is happy to keep baking that little one for a while yet.

Such a beautiful picture of Meg! Your blanket is coming along wonderfully well and it will be amazing when it is finished. Happy thoughts only while knitting and infuse that precious blanket with positivity. All will be well. Sending prayers, positive vibrations, and loads of happy wishes your way.

She looks fantastic….and that baby is still mostly above the belly button so USUALLY that means you’ve still got time. But this is your family we’re talking about so fabulousness may not take as much baking time as mere mortals.
Looks like both of you are right on schedule!
Have a wonderful time at DFWFF.

Stephanie, it was lovely to see you today! When they announced that Megan was in labor and you had gone to be with her the entire auditorium erupted in applause! Texas loves you, and we wish you and Meg the best of luck and happiness!

Omg!!! Oh I sooo hope the flights worked out and you weren’t having to hang around airports too long! Be well, Megan…our thoughts are with you tonight, and Harlot? Next to giving birth yourself, becoming a grandmother is the most amazing, wondrous experience there is:)

IT looks to me like you still have a little time because she still carrying the belly kinda high. You can do it! Just knit like the wind. 😉

I know late pregnancy is tough on the body but if you take a few days more to finish the blanket, Meg can enjoy the feeling of the little one in her belly a few days more. I know I really missed that after my son was born even though I was so happy to finally have him in my arms.

Wow! When I read Sarah Ross’ s post above (about the auditorium erupting in applause when it was announced that you had gone back to be with Meg) I teared up a bit picturing that. Best wishes to everyone, crossing my fingers that you made it in time!

According to the picture of Meg, the baby hasn’t dropped yet. As soon as that baby drops down, then you have to worry. I think you still have about a week. Maybe less but only time will tell. Good luck to you all and congratulations on your grandchild. Meg, you look terrific. Keep sharing pics of the belly so we know when the baby is in prime birthing position please?